Gilchrist blasts Australia to victory

Adam Gilchrist blasted Australia to victory in the second ODI against the World XI at Melbourne's Telstra Dome last night with a magnificent century.

Opening the innings after captain Ricky Ponting won the toss, Gilchrist dispatched the World XI attack to all corners of the ground as he set a new record for the fastest ODI century by an Australian batsman. He posted three figures off 73 deliveries and hit eight fours and four sixes before he was dismissed for 103.

Simon Katich (47), Ponting (66) and Damien Martyn (54) helped their team reach 328 for four after 50 overs. Most of the bowlers were punished by he Australian batsman. Muttiah Muralitharan was the exception, taking one for 43 off his 10 overs. went for 54 off his 10, while the remainder of he attack went for more than six an over.

The World XI chase began well with Chris Gayle ( 54) and Kumar Sangakkara (61) keeping the run rate above what was required. But as wickets began to fall, any chance the World XI had of overtaking the Australian total began to diminish.

Cameos by Andrew Flintoff (42) and Rahul Dravid (26) were not enough as the World XI were dismissed for 273 in the 46th over. Daniel Vettori was unbeaten on 11.

Nathan Bracken was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking three for 43, while Michael Clarke claimed two scalps.

The Australian victory means they have already won the series ahead of Sunday's final match.